Email from Vote Smart Research: Last Week Today   We’re funded by your every day people, not corporations or political parties—just voters who believe in truth and transparency. Your $5 can make a real difference. Donate to Fuel Facts Minnesota Arrest in Shooting of Two Democratic Lawmakers: On June 16, law enforcement captured Vance Boelter, 57, following a two-day manhunt for allegedly assassinating Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and wounding State Senator John Hoffman and his spouse. The suspect reportedly donned a police-style uniform, used a marked SUV, and arrived with a list of 70 potential targets, including public officials and abortion-rights advocates. This incident—described by Governor Walz as “political violence”—has intensified national debate about security measures and the influence of extremist ideologies. Source 1: Fox News, Source 2: CNN Senate Finance Committee Moves to End Solar and Wind Tax Credits by 2028: On June 16, 2025, the Senate Finance Committee, chaired by Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID), released a draft budget proposal that seeks to phase out solar and wind energy tax credits by 2028. Under the proposal, tax credits for solar and wind would drop to 60% in 2026, 30% in 2027, and be eliminated entirely by 2028. Meanwhile, tax incentives for nuclear, hydro, and geothermal energy would be extended through 2036. Source 1: Reuters, Source 2: Newsmax Supreme Court Upholds Tennessee Ban on Gender-Affirming Care for Minors: On June 18, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6–3 in United States v. Skrmetti to uphold Tennessee’s law (Senate Bill 1) that prohibits gender-affirming medical treatments—including puberty blockers and hormone therapy—for transgender minors. Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority, held the law does not violate the Equal Protection Clause, treating it as an age and purpose-based regulation. The decision effectively safeguards similar bans already in effect in 24 other states, reinforcing state authority over transgender healthcare for youth. Source 1: PBS News, Source 2: CBS News Subscribe to our weekly civic education email, "Civic Currents" Yes, please! No, thank you.   Congress Congress – House Passed HR 4 - Rescissions Act Congress – House Passed HR 2056 - District of Columbia Federal Immigration Compliance Act Congress – House Passed S 331 – Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act (HALT Fentanyl Act) State California (CA) – Senate Passed SB 681 – Requires the California Residential Mitigation Program to Prioritize Making Affordable Multifamily Housing Serving Lower Income Households Iowa (IA) – Governor Signed HF 856 – Prohibits Certain Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives and Offices in Private and Community Colleges Michigan (MI) – House Passed HB 4066 – Prohibits Schools From Allowing Transgender Girls to Participate in Girls' Sports     Republican Winsome Earle-Sears won the Republican nomination for governor of Virginia. Earle-Sears, the current lieutenant governor, is running to replace term-limited Governor Glenn Youngkin in the November election. If elected, she would not only be Virginia’s first woman governor, but also the first black woman to serve as governor of any U.S. state. Democrat Abigail Spanberger won the Democratic nomination for governor of Virginia. Spanberger is a former congresswoman from Virginia’s 7th congressional district, and hopes to flip the governor’s seat in Virginia. If elected, she would be Virginia’s first woman governor. This week, Virginia held its primary elections for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, and House of Delegates. Click on the link below to view the candidates running: Virginia Gubernatorial Primary Election Virginia Attorney General Primary Election Virginia House of Delegates Primary Elections Additionally, there were special elections next week in Alabama, California, Florida, and New Hampshire. Click on the link below to view the results: Alabama Special State Senate General Election, District 5 California Special State Assembly Primary Election, District 63 Florida Special State Legislative Primary Elections, House District 40 and Senate District 15 New Hampshire Special State House General Election, District Strafford 12 (Glossary) Lieutenant Governor: A lieutenant governor is a high-ranking official in a state government in the United States who typically serves as the second-in-command to the governor.   🎉 This Week’s Quiz Spotlight! 📍 Gregory Hachigian – California 📍 Kenny James – Virginia 📍 Holly Oppelt – Iowa  Quiz here!   Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email Vote Smart | 1153 24TH ST | DES MOINES, IA 50311-4308 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice